Airports Are Important and Necessary

It’s important to remember that our state airports are not simply airplane parking lots. They are economic, transportation and safety portals.

This jet powered DC-10 air tanker #910 makes a long drop of fire retardant on the Shirley Fire, Saturday, June 14, 2014 in the Alta Sierra area where the wildfire has consumed more than 800 acres. (AP Photo/The Bakersfield Californian, Casey Christie) (Casey Christie/AP)

Firefighters battled the blaze in steep, rugged terrain at elevations of up to 4,000 feet in a popular outdoor recreation area. Aircraft were scooping water from Lake Isabella to use on the flames. Helicopters flew around the clock and crews were able to keep the fire from growing significantly.